[PIO] Statements by the President of the Hellenic Republic on Migration

The absolute certainty that we will face the great challenge of the migration issue was expressed tonight by the President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Christodoulides.

In his statements to journalists after the inauguration ceremony of the Pissouri Police Station, the President of the Republic, when asked to address the issue of 13 irregular migrants in the buffer zone, said: "There are indeed 13 migrants in the buffer zone. We are in contact with the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force to meet any humanitarian needs that arise. It is an issue that we have had in the past and we have handled it, and as part of the handling that was done last time, this case will be handled as well."

He added that "not all the irregular migrants emerged at once, but gradually, and there is that number today. I repeat, for whatever humanitarian needs there are, in cooperation with the peacekeeping force, the Republic of Cyprus is assisting."

Responding to a question, the President said: "The management of migration, whether it concerns our seas or the occupied areas and from Turkey, requires a multi-level approach and as the Republic of Cyprus we will do whatever is necessary to address this issue. I do not want to talk about the details concerning irregular migrants in the buffer zone. It has been handled in the past and in the same framework that it was handled in the past it is being handled now."

Asked if there is support from the European Union (EU), the President of the Republic said: "Definitely. There is support, we have assistance from the EU. There is a serious reduction - precisely because of our actions - in the arrival of irregular migrants. There has been a very significant increase in returns. We have a concrete plan that is delivering results and I express my absolute certainty that we will meet this great challenge. Beyond that, any assistance given by the EU, which can be reinforced, is welcome."

(RM/MS/EAth)
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